Story by Nate Skinner, for Lone Star Outdoor News
This story originally appeared in the Aug 13 issue of Lone Star Outdoor News
When Lawson Fish, Chase Ferguson and Garrett Davidson began working as summer interns for Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. in Dallas, they had no idea how much the experience would help them grow, both as fly anglers and as college students working to become professionals. Even more so, the trio learned how the sport of fly-fishing and a passion for the outdoors can bring people from all walks of life together.
The three college students have spent much of their time this summer on the sales floor of the fly shop, working with customers and getting to know the community that constantly visits the store. They also have provided insight into the company’s marketing efforts, seen what it takes to be successful in the outdoor industry, and spent time field testing products and broadening their fly angling skills.
Fish is a senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in communications. He said he was unsure of what his future held when his internship began.
“I can tell you now that I want to pursue a career in the outdoor industry, no doubt,” Fish said. “The experience and knowledge that I have gained from this internship has been phenomenal, and the network of connections that I have made are invaluable.”
Fish grew up in the Austin area, fishing for bass. When he discovered fly-fishing during his teens, he also expanded his angling skills to saltwater, by fostering a passion for chasing redfish on the fly.
Fish said one of the best aspects of the internship has been meeting new people and building relationships with other individuals who share similar passions.
“I’ve been able to fish with local fishing guide and staff member, Sean Polk, and he’s introduced me to other anglers,” Fish said. “I’ve also made countless contacts in the shop, many of whom may be able to help me in my career after I finish college.”
Ferguson, also a senior at Texas A&M University, is pursuing a degree in university studies with a minor in construction. He grew up in the Dallas area and started fly-fishing at a young age.
“I’ve learned more this summer about fly-fishing and about myself than I have in any other experience so far in my life,” he said. “It’s been an incredible opportunity.”
Ferguson said he’s been able to expand his knowledge about fishing as well as how to work with variety of people from different backgrounds while working in the fly shop.
“It’s been amazing to see the different types of people that come to the shop,” he said. “You never know who you’re going to meet or what you can learn from them, just by talking fly-fishing with them.”
Ferguson said the experience has motivated him to figure out a way to pursue a career in the outdoor industry, surrounding himself with the sport he loves.
Davidson will be finishing up his last semester of college at Oklahoma State University, where he is studying marketing. He is from Plano and grew up hunting and fishing.
Davidson said he has gained worlds of knowledge just by working in the shop with staff.
“Everybody here has a wealth of knowledge to offer both about fly-fishing and about doing business in the outdoor industry,” he said. “I’ve just tried to ask a ton of questions and retain as much info as I possibly can. There’s so many things I’ve learned through this internship about going forward in the real world that my classes at school could never teach me.”
Davidson said the experience has taught him how to treat each client or customer differently, depending on their needs and background.
“When you run a business, you have an array of clients, each with their own set of expectations and requirements,” he said. “You can’t learn how to handle different real-world situations with people by sitting in a classroom. That’s why this internship has been so valuable to me.”
Davidson also plans to pursue a career in the outdoor industry and feels the experience will help him succeed. He has plans to work as a fly-fishing guide for an outfitter in Alaska in the summer of 2022.
